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Archive-name: fat-acceptance-faq/resources2 Posting-Frequency: monthly to *.answers, bi-weekly to soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated, soc.support.fat-acceptance and alt.support.big-folks See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Resources for Big Folks This document contains information about resources for fat people (other than on-line resources, organizations, publications, and clothing -- these are covered in other FAQs). If you don't find what you're looking for here, try one of the related FAQs (see question F1 for a complete list). ============================================================ Updated October 2000 ============================================================ Contents SECTION A: FAQ about resources for big folks in Canada a1) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.? A2) What about amusement parks for big folks? a3) Dating services for big folks? SECTION B: FAQ about resources for big folks in New Zealand b1) Where can I get clothes for large folks? SECTION C: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.K. c1) What about recreation-type things for big folks? c2) Where can I get anti-diet cards? c3) What other services are available for large folks? SECTION D: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.S. d1) What airlines treat fat people well? d2) What furniture works well for big folks? d3) What about recreation-type things for big folks? d4) Where can I get product X made for a large person? d5) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.? d6) What legal remedies are there for discrimination on the basis of weight and medical mistreatment of fat people? d7) Are there modeling agencies for large folks? SECTION E: Information about this FAQ e1) Are there other related FAQs? e2) Posting information e3) Contributors ============================================================ ============================================================ SECTION A: FAQ about resources for big folks in Canada a1) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.? Beyond Dieting Rhonda Zabrodski, BSW, RSW c/0 101 83 Deerpoint Rd SE Calgary, Alberta T2J 6W5 Phone: (403) 271-1311 or (403) 265-4980 Fax: (403) 225-1276 Email: rzabrodsk@acs.ucalgary.ca Weekly "psycho-educational group" focusing on diet education, self-esteem and body image, and relationship with food. Not a diet or weight loss group. Pre-screening interviews. Helena Spring Phone: (416) 861-0217 Helena Spring, R.N., of Canada Wyde offers phone counseling for people of size. Hugs International, Inc. Linda Omichinsky, RD Box 102 A, RR #3 Portage La Prairie Manitoba R1N 3A3 Phone: (204) 428-3432 Workshops based on Omichinsky's book *You Count, Calories Don't*. Stop Dieting, Inc Janet Polivy, Ph.D. Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychology University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario Work Phone: (416) 968-3942 Fax: (905) 569-4326 Anti-diet workshops based on Polivy's research as a scientist studying obesity, dieting, and health. YOU*NIQUE 620 Jarvis Street Suite 1023 Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2R8 Phone: (416) 964-0292 or (800) 663-9102 (toll free in Canada & U.S.) Email: kaca.henley@ablelink.org or khenley@interlog.com Infobot: younique@ablelink.org (email to get information packet) Self-acceptance and self-esteem seminars for large women explore ways in which fat women are marginalized and stigmatized and ways to combat the stigma and rebuild self-esteem. ============================================================ A2) What about amusement parks for big folks? CANADA'S WONDERLAND A 265 lb woman had no problems. Another similar-sized woman complained that the chest restraints were a bit too confining on the standing roller coasters. A3) Dating services for big folks? Sizeable Encounters Ltd. Elaine Shusterman 1235 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario Phone: (416) 657-2128 and (905) 731-1366 Email: elaine@sizeableencounters.ca Web: http://www.sizeableencounters.ca Dating service for above-average sized singles and their admirers. $325 for 6 months, $499 for 1 year. $100 up front, balance upon agreement to an introduction. Check for specials. Low risk. No blind dates. ============================================================ ============================================================ SECTION B: FAQ about resources for big folks in New Zealand B1) Where can I get clothes for large folks? Farmers Department store that carries large size men's clothing -- some up to size 6XL. Fashion Factory PO Box 7216 Christchurch Phone: (03) 379-7323 Fax: (03) 379-7383 House of Heather 101 First Avenue Tauranga Phone: (07) 578-3376 Fax: (07) 578-3360 Rubens Collection Petal Accents Tauranga Airport Tauranga Phone: (07) 575-9404 Fax: (07) 575-9404 Raphaels Corporation Ltd PO Box 21635 Henderson Auckland Phone: 0800 886 886 Fax: 0800 887 887 ============================================================ ============================================================ SECTION C: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.K. c1) What about recreation-type things for big folks? Planet Big Girl PO Box 4110 London SE15 4LR Phone: 0171 639 0914 or 0171 635 7071 Nightclub in London that caters to large folks and their admirers. They are in the basement of Equinox (in Leicester Square), and have events on the first Thursday of each month (and possibly other days as well). ============================================================ c2) Where can I get anti-diet cards? Diet Breakers Church Cottage Barford St Michael Banbury Oxon OX15 0UA Phone: 0181 693 7070 Fax: 0181 693 7177 Diet Breakers puts out a couple of anti-diet postcards illustrated by Jacky Fleming. They have pictures of a woman engaged in anti-diet behavior (throwing out her diet book, seeing through the con of diet books), and statistics about dieting in the UK. ============================================================ D3) What other services are available for large folks? 88 - Big in Pictures 109 Wareham Road Corfe Mullen Wimbourne, Dorset BH21 3JZ Phone: 01860 356149 Makeover photography for large ladies, by larger ladies; studio quality, home visits. Angela Sandler AMIFC Phone: 0181 954 2113 Appearance specialist -- personal & corporate image consultant. Offers "Large is lovely" workshops. Chubby Companions 21 Ulundi Street Radcliffe, Greater Manchester M26 3AN Phone: 0161 724 6791 Dating service. Competitive rates, confidentiality. Lancashire area. Unlimited introductions. Le Grande Weekend Marlene and Kyrsia 38 Westbury Lodge Close Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 3FG Luxury weekends for large ladies. Plump Partners Dating Agency Sandy Millington 8 Sealand Avenue Holywell Clwyd CH8 7BU Phone: 01352 715909 National Dating agency for those who are plump or prefer a plump partner. Tops PO Box 533 London SW6 2RQ Top-heavy ladies write about bust problems. Practical hints/advice and free newsletter. ============================================================ ============================================================ SECTION D: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.S. d1) What airlines treat fat people well? This section is a compilation of comments made by various people on s.s.f-a or a.s.b-f about various airlines. It's by no means exhaustive. Check out the August 1995 issue of Consumer Reports, which compares airline seat widths on various aircraft. American Airlines/American Eagle Friendly to big folks. If you ask, they will try to place an empty seat beside you (by "blocking" the seat on the computer). You may need to ask ahead for a seat belt extender. Makes very large people purchase two seats. Continental Friendly to big folks. Delta Used to be generally thought friendly to big folks, but lately there have been complaints. One person who was large and disabled said she was refused a seat ("insurance requirements" were cited) after twice calling Delta to explain her special needs and being assured there would be no problem. Another person complained they were unresponsive to her need for a seat with an armrest that could be raised. Markair Friendly to big folks. Polite. Flight attendants are helpful and ask if you need a seat belt extender. Midwest Express They have four-across seating (rather than the standard five-across) on their DC-9s/MD-80s. The seats are all basically as wide as first class seats. Their major hub is in Milwaukee, and they fly cross-country. Northwest Airlines Gracious about seat belt extenders. Polynesian Airlines Very friendly to big folks. Go out of their way to make you comfortable, arrange for extra seats. Reno Air Friendly to big folks. Good about seating you in a comfortable row. Southwest Airlines Unfriendly to big folks. Have been known to fly someone to a connecting city, and then decide that the person is too fat for a single seat, and then demand that the person buy another seat to continue their journey. Some people have had OK experiences with them. TWA Friendly to big folks. Accommodating and discreet about extenders. Friendly counter staff. United Airlines Friendly to big folks. But were in the news a while back for being obnoxious about weight limits for flight attendants. US Air Friendly to big folks. NAAFA trained and very respectful and kind about size issues. Makes very large people purchase two seats. Discreet about seatbelt extenders, good about seating people next to empty seats, upgrading to first for a small fee. ============================================================ d2) What furniture works well for big folks? Everyone has different likes/dislikes in furniture. This section is intended to provide information about what other big folks have found works for them. With regard to beds in particular, and furniture in general, you may want to consider a bed (or box springs or whatnot) guaranteed for several years, so that if it doesn't hold up, you can have it replaced cheaply. Action Lane furniture Tupelo, Mississippi Web site: http://www.action-lane.com Offers the ComfortKing recliner. It reclines to 80 inches and has a 24-inch seat. It's made of tempered steel and weighs 160 pounds instead of the usual 110-120 pounds. Alimed 297 High St. Dedham, MA 02026-9135 Phone: (800) 225-2610 Fax: (617) 329-8392 Ergonomic office furniture and equipment. Several office chairs designed for big folks up to 500 pounds. One model is called the Triton and costs around $450. Stools and chairs for labs or manufacturing. Lumbar support belts up to 75". Specifications are clear in the catalog. Catalog is $10 if you're calling on your own behalf, free if you're calling on behalf of an institution. Big Wyoming Big Bed & Furniture Co. Casper Wy. Email: 102442.3165@CompuServe.COM Furniture and beds for tall and big people. Biofit Phone: 800-597-0246, 419-832-1089 Carries a plus-size folding chair and a plus-size cafeteria chair. You can purchase from the manufacturer, but it's sometimes cheaper to go through a local dealer. Biofit can give you the name(s) of dealers in your area. Boyd Flotation Systems Maker of waterbeds. Their beds consist of several tubes filled with water, rather than one big bag of water. Coleman Portable outdoor chair. "Cost me about $25.00, but it's never even hinted at collapsing under my 340 lbs, and it's got a WIDE seat, to boot. It's made so that it folds down and inward rather than up, so the strongest parts are the support, and it's got support connecting the legs for more strength. Yet it's made of aluminum and ripstop nylon so it's light, and folds down so well I can sling it over my shoulder and walk with it. I got mine at Fred Meyer, but you could probably find one at any discount-type store with a camping department (K-Mart, Target, etc.)." As of June 2000, the URL for the Colman captain's chair is Craftmatic bed Bed that you can raise and lower (like in hospitals). Drive motor is guaranteed for three years, mattress and foundation is guaranteed for 25 years. Foundation is made with a steel undercarriage. Two twinsized beds can hook together at the foundation to make a kingsize with two sides that raise and lower independently. In Canada, one couple paid $2245 for one twin bed. C.R. Laine (704) 328 1831 Offers furniture (such as a recliner) made for big and tall folks. Dania Danish furniture store chain. They make "huge and soft" couches that are large enough for two mid-size-ish big folks to lie on and spoon. Domore-DO3 2400 Sterling Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516 * Phone: (219) 293-0621 Fax: (219) 294-6176 They carry executive chairs are at least 30" wide and certified to hold up to 500 lbs and a task chair that is about 33" wide and is certified to hold up to 850lbs. Chairs are structurally designed to accommodate large/heavy people. Website: http://www.domoredo3.com"> Englander They make somewhat expensive box springs and mattresses that hold up well. Ethan Allen Offers the "chair and a half," a chair approximately 33 inches in width. Herman Miller http://www.hermanmiller.com/ offers the Aeron chair: high backed, wide bottomed, arms that swing out. Seat made of netting for air circulation. Many different adjustments, including one for the small of your back. Several sizes available. List price is $999, but you can get it for $699 at sit4less.com. One person wrote: "Size c is fine for me at 350+ lbs and 6'5"." Also offers Ergon Extra Chair, available at a lot of office supply stores, approximately $700 to $900. Designed for office workers up to 6', 7" in height who weigh up to 500 lbs. Larger seat and back, extra durability through more heavily enforced mechanics, and extra comfort in its deeper cushions. Adjustments: knee tilt, forward seat angle adjustment, and height adjustable back and arms. 12-year warranty. Hickory Chair Offers furniture (such as a recliner or "chair and a half") suitable for big and tall folks. Lane (888) FOR-LANE Offers furniture (such as a recliner) for big and tall folks. La-Z-Boy (800) 625-3245 Offers the Summit Series of large-size "chair-and-a-half" chairs and recliners. Jerry McRoy Greenville, NC Phone: (919) 756-3161 (answering machine) Waterbed dealer who has access to metal bed frames with 9 legs, designed for king/queen softsided waterbeds, but also for use with a regular mattress. Office Depot Offers a comfortable, sturdy office chair made by the Global Upholestry Co. Cost about $100. Office World Web site: http://www.officeworld.com/ They have excellent (although expensive) office chairs for large and supersized people (including the Ergon 3 by Herman Miller, see above). Patioworld Web site: http://www.patioworld.com One person reports they can make patio/outdoor furniture that can support high weights and make furniture to order. Quik Lok Not-too-unwieldy seat intended to be a portable stool for electronic keyboardists. With very heavy frames, a padded seat, and collapsible construction. You can get them at many music stores. One place to see them online is: http://www.sweetwater.com/Quicklock/QuickLock_09.html QVC Offers What-A-Beach Chair, rated to 400 lbs., $32.00. Low to the ground. They also have What-A-Chair, which goes to 500 lbs. Item # F24925. Both of these fold up and are very sturdy. Sealy Posturepedic Their grade 3 or 4 mattresses seem to work well for large folks. Some of their box springs have steel beams instead of wood. Their higher end products are guaranteed for a long time, so you can get them replaced if they don't live up to what they should. One 360 pound person bought a Sealy Posturepedic that broke three weeks after he got it. Possibly a bad box-spring. They are replacing the mattress. Sears They make mostly indestructible bed frames with 6 legs. Metal frames may be sturdier than wooden frames, but it probably depends on the construction of the frame. They also make good mattresses. Sleepworks http://www.sleepworks.com offers a mattress that combines all natural foam (latex) with a coil system and can be constructed to accommodate two people with different needs. Smith Industries ~ Natural Tree Furniture Web site http://www.smithindustries.com Annie and Ray Smith run this company. Annie wrote to me to point out: "We have quite a few Large HumanBeans, friends and customers, we cater to in the furniture department. All we'd need to know is specifications." They make environmentally responsible furniture out of reclaimed, naturally felled trees and branches, kiln dried using mortise and tenon joinery to guarantee quality and integrity. Custom orders welcomed. Syroco They make an oversize lawn/lounge chair that was comfy for one 400-pound person. Steelcase They offer the Steelcase Criterion Plus. "The seat is 26" across, and my 460 lb body with 72" hips fits in it perfectly. I've been using it for almost 3 years now, and it's holding up well. It cost somewhere between $800-$1000." Carries big and tall task and executive chairs for people between 300 and 500 lbs. This End Up PO Box 2020 Richmond, VA 23216-2020 Phone: (800) 627-5161 Mall retail chain and mail order catalog. They make very sturdy furniture (including beds and couches). Walmart Chain store offers sturdy, inexpensive double camping chairs called "A Chair and a Half". They fold up like a regular lawn chair and have a drink holder. They cost about $30 and support at least 350 pounds. ============================================================ d3) What about recreation-type things for big folks? HEALTH CLUBS Women of Substance Health Spa is a newly opened health club for women of all sizes, located in Redwood City, CA. They have no scales and do not promote measurement as a method of determining health or fitness. 363 C Main Street, Redwood City. Phone: (415) 369-6626. Fat-friendly workout equipment and exercise classes, pool, jacuzzi, massage. NIGHTCLUBS In New York City, there are two clubs that cater to large folks. Large Encounters (212-836-9000 or 516-763-6100) runs Friday night dance parties about three times a month at various locations in Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island. Goddesses (718-456-9119) runs dance parties every other Saturday at a Manhattan club called Cafe 44. The Chunkendale dancers are large guys who parody the Chippendales dancers. Last I heard, Chippendales was suing for trademark infringement. CRUISES Club 24 (apparently affiliated with Dimensions magazine) sponsers cruises for large women and their male partners. You can reach them at HREF="mailto:rbwf67d@prodigy.com">rbwf67d@prodigy.com. NUDIST AREAS Black's Beach in San Diego, CA Many "beautiful people" hang out here, but large folks are not harassed or snickered at or even ignored. Apparently, the north and south ends of the beach tend to have the "beautiful people" (who may or may not remove their clothes), while the middle of the beach has many folks of varying body types (who usually remove their clothes). During the week, there are less likely to be gawkers. Elysian Fields in Topanga Canyon, CA This nudist resort has a number of large nudists, and large folks are not looked at askance. San Onofre Beach, just south of the San Diego/Orange County line I-5 to Basilone Road, south into the State Park. 3 miles south of the main gate there is a trail down to the beach. Go south on the beach past the last lifeguard station. Nudity officially not allowed, but they only enforce it if they have a complaint. "I am 5'10" and 265 lbs and I have _never_ felt "out of place" when visiting there!" Pirate's Cove -- north of Malibu, CA, just south of Zuma Beach Nude sunbathing and swimming that is big-folk friendly. Sandy Hook in New Jersey Gunnison Beach is clothing optional and very fat friendly. Diverse body types. Queer folks hang out on the south end of the beach. THEME PARKS Consensus here is that theme parks should place samples of the cars they use for the rides where you queue up for the rides. Then anyone who wasn't sure they would fit in the car could sit in the sample car, and see if it would work. Alas, theme parks do not do this yet. (So suggest it to them when you go to visit.) In the meantime, here's what some big folks found when they visited various theme parks. You're probably not shaped exactly the same as the people whose opinions are gathered here. And, depending on how your weight is distributed and how the ride is set up, you may fit on rides that people who weigh less than you don't fit on. So don't take any of this as gospel. Adventure World in suburban Washington DC (Largo, Maryland.) A ride called the Rainbow featured slides of different colors and heights. "About 2/3 of the way up the narrow stair, a sign was posted with a weight limit [...]. By the time one is in a position to see the sign, one has already climbed a large part of the way up, and the people in line behind one have also acsended, blocking the stairway. There is no escape stair.[...] I didn't want to inconvenience all the people in line behind me -- and I wanted to ride the big slide. So I said to my husband "I'm sure it will be fine" and continued up. There had to be some leeway in the weight limit, right? I mean, lots of men don't evem know their weight... Anyway, you'll be happy to hear that the slide didn't break under my weight - no one was injured or even embarrassed. BUT my weight meant that I got quite a great deal of MOMENTUM going on the way down the slide.[...] It would have been much better, more responsible policy to post the weight restrictions at the entrance to the ride itself. The park has been renovated and expanded since our visit - the rainbow slide may not even be there any more. But I did learn that weight limits are posted for a reason." Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, CA One person was asked to get off a roller coaster in front of everybody because the bar would not go down. Another person (5'3, and around 300 lbs) tried to ride the Big Dipper rollercoaster, was asked to get off the ride, and was refused a refund. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA Of the three coasters, Big Bad Wolf is probably the roomiest, followed by the Loch Ness Monster, and then the Drachen Fire. The Drachen Fire is not very friendly to people over 5'6" tall. The Alpengeist has a maximum girth of 48", the Apollo's Chariot has a maximum girth of 52". They have a sample car sitting at the entrance of the Alpengeist so that you can see if you will fit before you get into line. The operators are helpful and do not rush you. Cedar Point amusement park in OH People over 6'5" or having over a 50 inch waist or a very large bust or chest may have problems with the Raptor. People with over a 50 inch waist may have problems with the Mean Streak, the Corkscrew, and the Magnum 200XL. People with over a 60 inch waist may have problems with the Iron Dragon, the Blue Streak, and the Gemini. All the water rides and standard rides should accommodate folks with less than a 60" waist. Disneyworld in FL A size 28-30W woman fit on all the rides without any problem. One 28-30W person found the inner tube rides (other than the Lazy River) a bit difficult -- the inner tube kept sinking down into the water, and she found herself scraping the bottom a lot -- she still found it fun. They have scuba jackets for the Shark Reef in sizes up to 28-30W. Star Tours and Body Wars were a little snug. Clothes in gift shops go up to size 4X. For much more about Walt Disney World theme parks, see below. Disneyland in CA 300+, 410lb, 310lb, and 3X people fit through all the turnstiles and fit on every single ride without problems. One woman complained that the rocket jets were uncomfortable and some of the gates were smallish, and recommended not sitting in the front car of Space Mountain. Disney did not complain that she needed to take a whole seat meant for two. Many of the rides are accessible for much larger folks as well (i.e., Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mount, Jungle Boat, and Matterhorn). Star Tours may not be entirely comfortable; it has theater-type seats. One person needed a seatbelt extender for Star Tours and they provided it without a fuss. And on Main St., the Clothier store, the Disney Emporium, and Tomorrowland all have large-size clothing (some up to 8X). The seats in MGM Studios were somewhat uncomfortable for one person. One person couldn't fit through the turnstiles and ended up lifting himself over them. Disneyland is very accommodating to people with physical limitations and will assist people in getting on and off the rides. They have wheelchairs available for a small deposit. For more about Walt Disney theme parks, see below. Great America in Santa Clara, CA One woman didn't fit on one of the rides, and they gave her and her partner passes to go to the head of the line on any other ride (to make up for the fact that she waited all that time for the first ride). A 5'4" 220-lb size 18-24 woman fit on all the rides, but just barely on the wooden rollercoaster. A 5'7" 340 lb. person could not fit on anything, except one rollercoaster (not the wooden one, presumably). Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, PA. One reader was humiliated by ride staff. King's Island in Cincinatti, OH A size 20W-22W woman visited here and found all of the coasters comfortable. The roomiest was Top Gun, and one coaster was a little snug. The Flight Commander ride had a sign saying that "especially large people" might not be able to ride, but our intrepid tester had no problems. On the other hand, another woman (size 18W or so) couldn't fit on several of the rides. A 400+ pound man was comfortable in the Skylab and short log flume water rides. Knott's Berry Farm A supersized woman had no problem on any of the rides she went on. Another person warns that many of the rides, with the exception of the log flume and the California River Country Raft Ride, are not size friendly, including the three major roller coasters. One of the roller coasters (Montezuma's Revenge?) may be bad for people with back or neck problems. ("starts on a short section of track, catapults you forward, through a loop to a near vertical incline at which you fall and reverse the process passing through the start station and going to another near vertical incline and you then fall back forward and stop in the station") The fried chicken dinner at the restaurant is recommended. Lagoon in Farmington, UT One person had a bad experience with a roller coaster -- the bar went down but the person was pinned very uncomfortably and had a hard time getting the bar to release. Paramounts Carowinds A size 28W-30W woman had problems fitting in the safety devices of some rides, but always fit and was able to ride without too much discomfort. Six Flags in Georgia A size 28W-30W woman had problems fitting in the safety devices of some rides, but always fit and was able to ride without too much discomfort. Six Flags Magic Mountain Two people reported bad experiences. One concerned the roller coaster. Nothing was posted about a size limit, but the safety bar would not lock and the person was asked to leave the ride. One person commented that the amusement park is very hilly. One 300 lb. person fit onto the Batman and Superman rides. Six Flags Over Texas Two mid-sized people had trouble getting into the Texas Giant ride. However, one person who is approximately 280 lbs and 58" girth did not have a problem here except for "occasionally a tight fit." Wild Bills at Stateline, NV Roller coaster is reported to be a very tight fit. Water theme parks Large folks tend to do well at water theme parks. The more surface area you have, the better you can dam water up behind you, the faster you can go. And often there are people with a wide range of body types at water theme parks. WALT DISNEY WORLD One poster reported that at 6'7" and 400 lbs, height was more of a problem than weight and recommended the second row of most rides as having more leg room. "On the water rides be sure to seat in the middle (left and right), we had a boat full of couples all seating on one side, and started to take on water." The following description of Disney parks is contributed by barb@nebula.ispace.com (note: this email address no longer works): Because of the questions regarding rides at Walt Disney World, I called and spoke with a great woman who helped me go through each of the parks and "size up" (so to speak!) the rides at all three Disney Parks. Below is the compilation of what I can offer as far as info re: descriptions of rides and shows goes. Know, too,that *your* judgement is the ultimate guide. I merely offer suggestions. Legend: ts = theatre seats bs = bench seats lb = low bars (lower deeply into lap) hb = high bars (do not lower into lap, or lower slightly) ss = small space w = walking show, self paced (wheelchairs allowed) s = standing show (wheelchairs allowed) nws = no wheelchair space, but handicapped accessible All shows have handicapped access and all ts and bs locations (except those designated "nws"... no wheelchair spaces) have wheelchair spaces, never having to leave the wheelchair, and a place for companion as well. More info on wheelchairs below. MAGIC KINGDOM Ride Seat type Description ================================================================== TOMORROWLAND Astro Orbiter lb/ts jerky simulator ride Space Mountain lb/ss roller coaster Wedway People Mover hb/bs/nws gentle sit down ride Delta DreamFlight hb gentle sit down ride Time Keeper s show/movie? Carousel of Progress ts show FANTASYLAND Grand Prix Raceway bs/ss gentle ride Dumbo Flying Elephants lb/ss kids' ride Carousel Horses bs/horses gentle ride It's a Small World bs/nws gentle ride Tea Cups bs(round) twirly ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride bs/hb ride Legend of Lion King ts show Skyway 700 lb limit sky ride TOWN SQUARE Hall of Presidents ts show (standing pre-show) Haunted Mansion bs/hb/nws gentle ride (standing pre-show) Mike Fink Keel Boats bs gentle ride Tom Sawyers Island w (short standing barge ride) FRONTIERLAND Splash Mountain lb/ss roller coaster Big Thunder Mountain lb/ss roller coaster Country Bear Jamboree bs show Railroad Ride bs gentle sit down ride Jungle Cruise bs gentle boat ride ADVENTURELAND Pirates of the Carribean bs/nws boat ride-8 foot "waterfall" Swiss Family Treehouse w walking uphill/downhill Enchanted Tiki Room bs show (standing pre-show) MAIN STREET Main Street Cinema ts movie =================================================================== EPCOT CENTER Ride Seat type Description =================================================================== FUTURE WORLD Spaceship Earth hb gentle ride The Living Seas bs/w short ride The Land bs/nws gentle boat ride Journey to Imagination lb/w several activities Universe of Energy bs gentle boat-like ride Wonders of Life lb/ss ride Cranium Command bs show Making of Me bs movie Body Wars lb/ts jerky flight simulator WORLD SHOWCASE Mexico hb/bs/nws gentle boat ride China s CircleVision movie Norway lb faster boat ride 2 drops down "waterfalls" Morocco (no rides) Germany (no rides) Italy (no rides) Japan (no rides) United States ts show (arrive early for seating) France s CircleVision movie Canada s CircleVision movie =================================================================== MGM Ride Seat type Description =================================================================== Tower of Terror bs/hb 13 story drop Muppet Show ts show Beauty and the Beast bs show Little Mermaid ts show Magic of Disney Animation w demonstrations Backstage Tour tram ride/bs demonstrations Great Movie Rides bs show Hunchback of Notre Dame bs show Star Tours lb/ts jerky flight simulator Monster Sound Show ts show Indiana Jones Spectacular bs show ========================================================= There is ample wheelchair parking outside each park. In MGM you need to show a wheelchair sticker, otherwise it is the honor system. Trams, monorails, and boats are completely accessible, their being used to get you from the parking area to the parks. Wheelchairs, both standard and electric, can be rented each day, but must stay in the park they were rented in, even with multi-park passes. The wheelchair rental areas are directly inside each parks' gates (Magic Kingdom's is towards the middle, EPCOT's is to the far left, and MGM's is also to the far left). Standard wheelchairs are $6 a day, no deposit. The electric ones are $30 a day and $20 refundable deposit when you return the chair. (the electric ones are *well* worth the money! Especially in EPCOT where there are hills in several places.) A new policy! Wheelchairs are *first come, first served"! They no longer take reservations. We always rent a stroller as well for the walking person to push, allowing us to dump all the purses, bags, etc. in. First come, first served, they are $6 a day, with $1 refund when you return it. One never needs to go through turnstiles... from the front entrance to any ride. There are gates that swing open, simply ask the attendant (or make yourself at home and open it yourself, like I do!). All types of modified diets are honored at Walt Disney World... in parks (see below), restaurants, and hotels... from Kosher, vegan, and low-fat to diabetic, ovo-lacto vegetarian, and kids' meals. In the Magic Kingdom, there is a vegetarian fast food restaurant in Tomorrowland. The fast food places are eat what is on the menu, but sit down places (with backstage chefs) can cook anything to match your dietary needs... simply ask your server. In EPCOT, there are wonderful places to eat. Canada has a cafeteria. The Living Seas has the most expensive food, but most spectacular dining room, set under the aquarium, dinner swimming all around as you eat! Most restaurants have several choices of meals that fit in with varying diet plans. If not, ask the server for what you need. In MGM, there are fast food and dining rooms, including a cafeteria (that is eat what is there). The dining rooms can cater to your needs. The majority of wheelchairs at the Disney parks are the regular sized, but they *do* have several of the larger sized ones. The electric wheelchairs have arms that rise on one side. Also, the chairs in every restaurant that I can think of have no arms. I am sure if there are arms on chairs, there are also chairs without arms handy. The restrooms all have handicapped stalls, of course... and I have been able to fit in most stalls at 330 pounds. If you ever have a problem when gently asking for your needs, ask to speak to a supervisor, and they can help... either by getting you what you need, or directing you to a place where your needs can be met. For further questions you can call Walt Disney World at 407-824-4321. ============================================================ d4) Where can I get product X made for a large person? Air Physics Corp Phoenix, AZ Phone: (800) 553-0353 Chairs that assist people in standing up. One design is for large people. It is 27" wide, can lift over 800 lbs, and costs $895. They sell another chair rated up to 400 lbs, and a lift seat that can be strapped to a regular chair. If a doctor prescribes a lift chair for you, your health insurance may pay part of the cost. They also sell the large chairs alone without the lift mechanism. American Health Supplies Inc. Web site: http://www.ahsinc.com/pharmmed.htm Vast catalog of medical equipment and home health aids. Most items have pictures, describe size and weight limits. Amplestuff PO Box 116 Bearsville, NY 12409 Phone: (914) 679-3316 Fax: (914) 679-1206 Email: amplestuff@aol.com Amplestuff doesn't have a web site but you can order a catalog through http://www.oooobabybaby.com Catalog with over 100 items for plus- and supersize woman and men such as: large clothes hangers, airline seatbelt extenders, books/videos, fanny packs, health/hygiene products, wider socks, and the consumer newsletter Ample Shopper. Apria (formerly Homedco) Medical equipment company reported by a fat person with sleep apnea to be good to work with. Beam balance scales and counterweights http://www.bodytrends.com/det.htm http://www.empirescale.com/empire/model80.htm http://www.sperlescales.com/detecto_clinical_medical_scale.htm Brace Center 2285 N.W. Loop Stephenville TX 76401 (254) 965-9092 1600 Central Drive Bedford, Texas 76022 Phone 877-272-2348 Fax (254)-965-9644 Web http://www.kneesupport.com Large selection of all sizes. Easy to work with via phone, online or retail locations. CJ's International 4175 Pepperwood Trail Minnetonka, MN 55305-4915 Phone: (800) 538-8394 Austrian crystal tennis bracelets for people with large wrists, $2.50 per inch plus shipping and handling. ConvaQuip Health Care Products P.O. Box 3417 Abilene, Texas 79604 Phone: (800) 637-8436, (915) 677-4177 Fax: (915) 677-7217 Email: mailto:info@convaquip.com Web site: http://www.convaquip.com/ Heavy-duty convalescent aids and medical equipment -- walkers, canes, crutches, commodes, shower and bath chairs. Domestications PO Box 40 Hanover, PA 17333-0040 Inexpensive large bath sheets (36" x 66"). Easy Rider Pedal Extensions PO Box 251677 Glendale, CA 91225-1677 Phone: 818-247-9246 FAX: 818-247-3329 Prices range between $60 and $75 per extender. They can be installed using a screwdriver and socket wrench. They can be used on most vehicles (including temporarily on rental cars). Electric Mobility Phone: 800-MOBILITY Web site: http://www.electricmobility.com Offers a motorized scooter, Rascal, that's rated to 450 lbs. It is modular so repairs are not expensive. It can be taken apart and put in the trunk of a car. An extra-wide (22") seat is available. The armrests flip up, or you can remove the entire armrest assembly. Cost is around $3500, including the extra-wide chair. Also offers motoroized scooter models called Chauffeur with weight limits of 450-600, depending on the model. One person complained the 600-pound model brok frequently. Others say the Chauffer is sturdier than the Rascal. One person reports that her model has a longer base (good for long legs) and "The weight limit is 450, but the company told me that it would be fine of you were a bit over that." The Chauffeur MX model is rated for 450 lbs and the cost is about $2,300, including an extra-width foot plate. It's a 3 wheeler, very stable. The tiller (steering column) is adjustable to accommodate big bellies. Electric Mobility doesn't rent scooters and don't generally have any heavy duty scooters available for sale used. Enduro Conneticut Makes customized wheelchairs. One person has one with a weight capacity of 500 lbs. and a 20" seat. Everest & Jennings Offers wheelchairs for people weighing up to 400 pounds. Various sites on the web; search on "Everest Jennings" in Yahoo or Google. Greedy Dyke Productions 2400 Rio Grande NW, #1-110 Albuquerque, NM 87104 Phone: (505) 345-8739 Dildo harnesses that fit folks with large legs (one size for hips under 55" and one size for hips over 55"). King Size PO Box 9115 Hingham, MA 02043 Phone: (800) 846-1600 Large-size rain gear that is more or less unisex. Extra-large umbrellas, ties, and fanny packs. Lark Has a motorized wheelchair/scooter rated to 450. One person wrote "But the 300lb one I tested had so much punch I considered it, even though I am 350." The prices range $3500-$5000. The lifts for the car add another $2000. Laughing Sisters 4514 Manitou Way San Diego, CA 92117 Phone: (619) 272-1976 They make plastic hangers 19" wide. (Regular hangers are 14" wide.) Clothes won't slide off these hangers and won't get funny lumps on the shoulder seams from hangers too narrow to reach the shoulders. Masterlink Marketing Fax: (716) 675-1610 They make an adjuster for auto seatbelts called Master Design. You clip it to the seatbelt by the latch, and it makes the shoulder belt sit lower. Northwest Kayaks Inc. http://www.nwkayaks.com Offers a kayak called a Cadence, which has a load capacity of 455 lbs and has an opening made for larger people. Mour To Dri Reported out of business Mar01 Optiway Technology, Inc. 500 Norfinch Dr., Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3N 1Y4 Phone: 800-514-7061 Fax: (416)739-6622 Offers Optiway/Fortress 2001 LX4 Scooter. Can be modified both for weight and to make it more powerful on hills. The 4 wheels are much more stable (less likely to fall over) than the 3 wheels, which are a bit easier to maneuver. Palmer Industries http://www.palmerind.com/index.htm Makes an electric vehicle capable of climbing hills and traversing rough terrain, more rugged than scooters. Cost $3000-$5000. For transporting, they suggest a trailer, cost about $500 including installation. PDG Inc. Phil Mundy, Nancy Balcom 9165 Shaughnessy Street Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6P 6R9 Phone: 604-323-9220 Fax: 604-323-9097 E-mail: info@PRODGROUP.COM PDG Inc. is a manufacturer of wheelchairs for big and supersize people. They make wheelchairs in sizes up to and exceeding 30". U.S. distributor is: MedBloc, 700 Ensminger Road - Unit 112, Tonawanda, N.Y., 14150, USA, Ph: 1-888-433-6818, Fax: 1-888-433-6834 In Canada: Graham-Field Canada, 111 Snidercroft Road, Concord, Ontario, L4K 2J8, Ph: (905) 669-2381 / 1 800 387-9113, Fax: (905) 660-7875 / 1 800 267-0502. One can also contact PDG directly. Royal Resources Vendredi Enterprises PO Box 220 Camas Valley, OR 97416 Phone: (503) 445-2330 Information and source directory for large folks: Clothing, shoes, books, jewelry, magazines, furniture, sewing supplies, health products, sunglasses, umbrellas, dating services, insurance, cars, airlines, cruises, etc. Cost is $29.95. Shower Anywhere http://www.shower-anywhere.com Portable shower stalls and tanks. Can be modified to accommodate people of size. SIZEWise Rentals Phone 800-814-9389 Email: SIZEWise@aol.com Web: http://www.sizewiserentals.com Rent medical equipment designed for large people. Rent to care facilities, rehab, et al. 43 locations in the U.S. Carry wheelchairs up to 37", shower/commode chairs to 30", power recliners, walkers, beds, air mattresses, trapezes, etc. Capacity on mobility items is 750lbs, beds and air mattresses to 1000lb. Affiliated with Wheelchairs of Kansas (listed below). Therapy Supplies Toronto 416-752-8885 Ask to speak with Peter Tippett. Please mention Helena Spring of Canada WYDE as reference. Medical supply house. One product they sell is a solid walker with a wide seat, made by Gaper Products in Toronto. Toledo They custom-make scales as large or as small as you want them. Totes Big, sturdy umbrella called "City Slicker" is large enough to keep almost anyone dry. 21st Century Scientific Makes power wheelchairs rated up to 1000 pounds. Wheelchairs of Kansas 204 W. 2nd, Ellis, KS, USA 67637 Telephone 1-800-537-6454 FAX 1-800-337-2447 Email info@wheelchairsofkansas.com Web http://www.wheelchairsofkansas.com Manufacture and sell medical equipment designed for large people, including wheelchairs, beds, lifts, and bath aides. Makes power wheelchairs up to 750 pounds Worldesigns Incorporated PO Box 355 New York City, NY 10024 Fanny packs in sizes up to 2X (59"-92"). XL Collection Plus Box 20511 Rochester, NY 14602 $12.95 Fashion resource guide. Wheelchairs of Kansas Phone: (800) 537-6454 Free catalog. They rent wheelchairs up to 30" wide and will ship them within a few days. They also sell custom-made wheelchairs of any width. ============================================================ d5) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.? Abundia Sally Strosahl PO Box 252 Downers Grove IL 60515 Phone: (630) 897-9796 Body-size acceptance for abundant women -- workshops, presentations, classes and retreats. Works with health-care professionals who wish to become more size-informed. Cheri Erdman, a member, wrote her doctoral thesis on the process of body-size acceptance in women. Amity Associates Susan Kano 18 Holiday Road Wayland MA 01778 Work Phone: (508) 358-4811 Home Phone: (508) 358-9611 Offers workshops based on Kano's book *Making Peace with Food*. Lucia Kim August, MA, MFCC 2550 Peralta Blvd. #7 Fremont, CA 94536 Phone: (510) 792-5588 Email: lkaugust@inferno.com Anti-dieting, demand feeding, psycho-educational approach based on the books *Overcoming Overeating* and *When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies* by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter. August is an active member of The Women's Campaign to End Body Hatred and Dieting. Individual therapy sessions available. Groups being organized. Dance/movement therapy for large women. Lizbeth Binks, Ph.D. Phone: (410) 532-3080 Size acceptance therapy. Baltimore, MD. Kelly Bliss, M.Ed. Phone: 610-394-2547 Email: kellybliss@snip.net Web site: www.kellybliss.com Provides size-accepting counseling and a nationwide video classes for people barely large to very large. Classes communicate on-line and through video: Fitness Plus (for people who can walk) and SuperFit (for people with mobility problems). Body Trust Dayle Hayes 2110 Overland Ave., Ste. 120 Billings MT 59102 Work Phone: (800) 321-9499 Home Phone: (406) 656-9417 Fax: (406) 656-0124 Email: eatrightmt@aol.com Workshops and videos promoting a program called Body Trust: Undieting Your Way to Health and Happiness. Hayes is a member of the American Dietetic Association Board of Directors. Breaking Free Geneen Roth PO Box 2852 Santa Cruz CA 95063 Offers workshops based on her books *Breaking Free From Compulsive Eating*, *Feeding The Hungry Heart*, and others. Changing Perspectives Bonnie O'Brien Johnson PO Box 778 Point Reyes CA 94956 Work Phone: (415) 663-1320 Offers workshops on weight, body image, and health. Nomi Dekel, MFCC Phone: (415) 457-3468 Food obsession and body image groups and workshops. San Francisco Bay Area. Diet/Weight Liberation Terry Nicholetti Garrison Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell Univ Ithaca NY 14853 Work Phone: (607) 257-0563 Local *Fed Up* groups. Working to establish a pilot program of peer education for high-school girls to teach size size-acceptance workshops to their peers. Grady, MFCC Phone: (310) 804-2293 Body image. Individual and group therapy. GUIDE Susan Villari, MPH Student U. Penn. Health Services Box 745 HUP Philadelphia PA 19104-4283 Work Phone: (215) 573-3525 GUIDE stands for *Guidance For Image, Dieting, and Eating*. Villari offers workshops for students at U. Penn. Ellyn Herb, Ph.D. Phone: (408) 978-5125 Size acceptance therapy/support group. San Jose, CA Marcia Germaine Hutchinson, Ed.D. 88 W Goulding St Sherbourn MA 01770 Work Phone: (508) 653-3665 Home Phone: (508) 653-3665 Fax: (508) 653-3665 Email: mhutchnson@aol.com Offers workshops on issues around size and body image and *Body-Mind* audiotapes. Hutchinson is author of the book *Transforming Body Image*. Jassy Kowalski Phone: (617) 776-6460 Body image counseling groups for women over 200 pounds. Boston area. Image Power for Women of Size Web site: http://members.tripod.com/~ImageConsultant/index.html Image consultant service by a plus-size woman, who also is organizing an empowerment conference/expo for women of size. Innerworks/Food For Thought Melissa Popp 2321 E Avenue H #2103 Grand Prairie TX 75050 Work Phone: (214) 606-1160 Offers eating/body image support group. Jewish Family Services Of Fort Worth Michele Adler, LMSW 6801 Dan Danciger Rd Fort Worth TX 76133 Work Phone: (817) 294-2660 Fax: (817) 292-3214 Offers alternatives to dieting workshops. Largely Positive, Inc. Carol A. Johnson, MA, President PO Box 17223 Glendale WI 53217 Johnson facilitates a support group at an area hospital to help build self-esteem, promote size-acceptance, and discourage dieting in favor of healthy, low-fat eating and regular exercise. Johnson is the author of *Self-Esteem Comes in All Sizes*. Leslea Newman PO Box 815 Northampton, MA 01061 Work Phone: (413) 584-3865 Fax: (413) 584-1099 Newman presents workshops on eating disorders, dieting, and size-acceptance issues. She has written several books on these subjects. OASIS XXXL Support Joellen Lapidus Phone: (310) 398-7515 Therapy and support group for large men and women. West Los Angeles. Overcoming Overeating, Chicago Center Judith Matz, LCSW and Carol Coven Grannick PO Box 48 Deerfield IL 60015 Phone: (708) 853-1200 Offers workshops in Chicago-area based on the *Overcoming Overeating* approach. Overcoming Overeating, National Center Jane Hirschmann, MSW and Carol Munter, CEDS 315 West 86th. Street, Suite 17B New York NY 10024-3180 Work Phone: (212) 875-0442 Fax: (212) 874-6596 or (212) 582-0076 Email: kaneri@aol.Com or carber@aol.Com Offers workshops based on the *Overcoming Overeating* approach, which advocates demand feeding without dieting and an end to body hatred. Deborah Scott Phone: (312) 472-7646 Individual, group, couples therapy for women of all sizes. Chicago area. Judith Sikes 504 W. 17th Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 476-0636 Joan Spiegel, Ph.D. Phone: (510) 548-8709, (408) 732-1626 Individual therapy, eating disorders, body acceptance. San Francisco Bay Area. Weight Release Services Barbara Altman Bruno, Ph.D. 45 Munson Road Pleasantville NY 10570-1829 Work Phone: (914) 747-1525 Fax: (914) 747-0000 Email: barb.bruno@execnet.com Offers psychotherapy, counseling, classes, and coaching for individuals, groups, and other professionals, on the subject of living well regardless of size. Writes for Dimensions Magazine and occasionally for NAAFA, Radiance, and BBW. Willendorf Press Miriam Berg PO Box 407 Bearsville NY 12409 Work Phone/Fax: (914) 679-1209 Offers size rights/size-acceptance workshops and consultations for groups, businesses, and individuals. ============================================================ d6) What legal remedies are there for discrimination on the basis of weight and medical mistreatment of fat people? There are two main legal recourses for addressing discrimination on the basis of weight. On the federal level, there is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (discussed below and on the newsgroup bit.listserv.ada-law). On the state and local levels there are anti-discrimination laws. Michigan's anti-discrimination law explicitly lists weight as a protected characteristic (just like race and gender). A bill is pending in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to add weight to their list of protected categories. Contact Project 2000 if you'd like to work on this, especially if you live in Massachusetts and have a story to tell about discrimination based on weight. Here is a description of the ADA from Teresa Brady's article "The Obese: A New Protected Class Under the Americans with Disabilities Act" published in *The International Journal of Applied Philosophy* 8:2, Winter/Spring 1994. (This article is hostile to the idea of obese people's being covered under the ADA.) The ADA is a broad piece of legislation made up of five parts. Title I of the ADA prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals by providing equal employment opportunities; Title II provides equal availability and accessibility to public services and transportation; Title III prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, commercial facilities, and services such as hotels, restaurants and grocery stores; Title IV deals with telecommunications, and Title V contains miscellaneous provisions for individuals based on their rights under the ADA. The ADA does not list which conditions are covered under the act; this is being worked out by the U.S. courts. The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) guidelines include obesity as a protected disability. This means that they believe the ADA should apply to obese people, and they will allow suits to be brought under the ADA by obese people. One is generally considered obese if one's weight exceeds the norm (whatever that is) by more than 15-20%. One is considered "morbidly obese" if one's weight exceeds the "norm" by 100%. Existing ADA case law applies to "morbidly obese" people. The ADA has not been tested with regard to other fat people. Airlines are exempted from the Americans with Disablities Act. They are covered under the Air Access Act of 1990. The Department of Transportation has information on the Air Access Act. The ADA does not apply to military personnel, because they are not civilians and are not protected by civilian law. The military can and does discriminate on the basis of weight. An example of ADA advocacy: One person on a.s.b-f was attending a class at a local university which didn't have any chairs large enough for her. For a while, she sat on the floor, because the departments at the university were arguing over whose job it was to provide a chair for her. When nothing happened for too long, she called the departmental dean, the dean of the college, the dean of students, student support services, and finally the ADA. The ADA required a note from her doctor (she was pregnant at the time), and then "proceeded to get ugly with a bunch of people in the most wonderful way." The ADA people got her excused from class until she received adequate support materials. DIET DRUG REGISTRY LAUNCHED The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) has launched an online registry for those who have used Redux and/or fen/phen for weight loss. The site, at http://naafa.org, has been designed to both gather information about and provide information to former patients who have concerns about the long term effects of the drugs and to those who are suffering from the illnesses associated with the drugs, including pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, and neurotoxicity. Information about the legal recourse available to victims is also available on the site, and those wishing to can subscribe to an online mailing list for updates about medical and legal news as it develops. LAWSUITS CHARGING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF WEIGHT For more cases, see the legal resources on the NAAFA web site: http://naafa.org/info/legal/court.html In April 1997, UPI reported on a lawsuit filed in Mount Clemens, MI. A supersize man is suing his former boss for harrassing him about his weight to the point where he felt forced to quit. He was a factory manager. His boss made him "do jumping jacks during office meetings." The company admits that upon hiring, "he was offered a $5,000 'health bonus' if he'd lose 70 pounds." Cook v. State of Rhode Island (2 AD Cases 1147 (1992); 1993 WL 470697 (1st Cir. (R.I.))) Plaintiff Cook was a 5'2", 320 pound Rhode Island woman who was turned down for the job as institutional attendant at a state school for the mentally retarded. Although Cook held the same job for eight years previous to her reapplication, this time she was disqualified by the state agency, whose officials claimed her morbid obesity made her an unacceptable health risk and impaired her ability to evacuate patients in case of emergency. Cook claimed her obesity had no negative effects on her health and it did not affect her strength or agility. She sued the state agency claiming that she was discriminated against due to her weight. The district court found in her favor. She was awarded $100,000 and the right to the next available position of institutional attendant mental retardation. The case was affirmed on appeal by the state agency for the following reasons. First, the court claimed that Cook was powerless to manage her weight, citing the fact that even after years of extensive dieting, she regained all of her weight. Second, dieting and/or fasting could not help slow down her metabolism. Third, although Cook's condition is voluntary, other voluntary conditions such as alcoholism are covered under federal disabilities laws. 405-pound man sues Denny's Restaurant A 405-pound man is suing Denny's for $1.3 million, claiming restaurant workers made him feel like "a clown on parade." Gary A. Sellick, 36, also claims that he couldn't fit into a booth and the restaurant was unable to provide a chair big enough to hold him when he tried to eat there June 8. The lawsuit [...] says the experience caused Sellick emotional distress. "With them pointing at me and laughing, I immediately felt like a clown on parade," Sellick said. "I don't want to be stared at because I'm large. It's humiliating." (*The News and Observer*, Raleigh, NC, Sunday, July 24, 1994) CITATIONS ON WEIGHT AND EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION TITLE(s): Weighing In Against Obesity Discrimination. Summary: Cook v. Rhode Island, Department of Mental Health, Retardation, and Hospitals and the Recognition of Obesity as a Disability under the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act. JOURNAL: Boston College Law Review. July 1, 1994; volume 35 number 4 Page: 927 AUTHOR(s): Brucoli, M. Andrea TITLE(s): Cook v. Rhode Island, Department of Mental Health, Retardation, and Hospitals: Morbid Obesity As a Protected Disability or an Unprotected Voluntary Condition. JOURNAL: Georgia Law Review. Spring 1994; volume 28 number 3 Page: 771 AUTHOR(s): Neff, Barbara C. TITLE(s): Expanding Liability for Employment Discrimination: Obesity as a Handicap. JOURNAL: For the Defense. April 1, 1994; volume 36 number 4 Page: 14 TITLE(s): Employment Law. Summary: Terminated employee denied due process Noncompetition covenant unenforceable where employment was at will Recovery under Rehabilitation Act for discrimination based on obesity. JOURNAL: Law Reporter March 1, 1994; volume 37 number 2 Page: 52 TITLE(s): Civil Rights--Handicap Discrimination Law--Pennsylvania Excludes Obesity From Protection Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, 591 A.2d 281 (Pa. 1991). JOURNAL: Temple law review. Summer 1992; volume 65 number 2 Page: 623 AUTHOR(s): Rothblum, E.D., P.A. Brand, Pamela A., and C.T. Miller TITLE(s): The Relationship between Obesity, Employment Discrimination, and Employment-Related Victimization. JOURNAL: Journal of Vocational Behavior. December 1, 1990; volume 37 number 3 Page: 251 AUTHOR(s): Klesges, R.C., M.L. Klem, and C.L. Hanson TITLE(s): The effects of applicant's health status and qualifications on simulated hiring decisions. JOURNAL: International Journal of Obesity. June 1, 1990; volume 14 number 6 Page: 527 AUTHOR(s): Carlsen, Susan B. TITLE(s): Legal Issues--A Heavy Issue: Is Obesity Grounds for Not Hiring? JOURNAL: School Business Affairs. June 1, 1993; volume 59 number 6 Page: 41 ATTORNEYS WHO HAVE HANDLED SIZE DISCRIMINATION CASES For an up-to-date list and additional sources for legal information, see the Largesse Web site: http://www.fatso.com/largesse/legal.html. Lynette Labinger, Esq. Roney & Labinger 344 Wickenden St. Providence RI 02903 Phone: 401-421-9794 Won case of Cook v. Rhode Island in Nov., 1993, which established legal precedent for fat people's right to protection under federal disability rights statutes. Kenneth I. Friedman, Esq. Beck & Eldergill 447 Center St. Manchester CT 06040 Phone: 203-646-5606 Handles weight discrimination cases. Yvonne G. Bach, Esq. 2 Penn. Ctr. Plaza #1204/15th. & JFK Blvd. Philadelphia PA 19102 Phone: 215-496-9900 Litigates cases involving weight-loss surgery James Loots, Esq. Barrymore & Loots 815 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 125 Washington DC 20006 Phone: 202-466-4950 Handles weight discrimination cases Karin Stackpole, Esq. Barrymore & Loots 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 125 Washington DC 20006 Phone: 202-466-4950 Handles weight discrimination cases James Goodman, Esq. Persons with Disabilities Law Center 56 17TH Ave. N. E. Atlanta GA 30309 Phone: 404-892-4200 Handles weight discrimination cases James J. Parks, Esq. Gabrian and Parks, P. C. 2525 Telegraph, Suite 303 Bloomfield MI 48302 Phone: 810-334-6464 Handled first weight harassment case under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act; strong advocate for size rights; handles weight discrimination cases. Marilyn H. Marchetti, Esq. Oppenheimer, Wolff, & Donnelly 2 Prudential Plz/180 N. Stetson Ave. Chicago IL 60601 Phone: 312-616-5838 Handles weight discrimination cases Carol Cullum, Cullum & Sena 45 Polk Street San Francisco CA 94102 Phone: 415-863-5300 E-mail: CullumSena@aol.com Attorney of size, knowledgeable about weight discrimination Edith Benay, Esq. San Francisco CA Phone: 415-621-4449 Has strong background in weight discrimination Barbara A. Lawless, Esq. San Francisco CA Phone: 415-391-7555 Attorney who won John Rossi's size discrimination case against Kragen Auto parts in 1995 and a $1 million dollar award for Rossi. Robert Z. Lazo, Esq. San Francisco CA Phone: 415-522-9771 Employment lawyer who knows and cares about weight discrimination, also wrote article for Los Angeles Daily Journal in Oct., 1993 about Toni Cassista's case. ============================================================ d7) Are there modeling agencies for large folks? Plus Model Management 49 W 37th St New York, NY 10018 Phone: (212) 672-9882 Models 5'2" and under, sizes 16-18, and 5'8" and over, sizes 12-20. Wilhelmina 300 Park Ave South New York, NY 10010 Phone: (212) 473-4884 See also Sandie Sabo's book on plus-size modeling in the Publications FAQ. ============================================================ ============================================================ SECTION F: Information about this FAQ e1) Are there other related FAQs? There is some overlap in the topics covered by the FAQs. If you don't find what you're looking for here, try the other FAQs. The latest version of the following FAQs can be found at: http://www.cat-and-dragon.com/~stef/Fatfaqs/ alt.support.big-folks newsgroup FAQ soc.support.fat-acceptance newsgroup FAQ soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated newsgroup FAQ Clothing for Big Folks in Canada Clothing for Big Folks in the U.S. (parts 1 and 2) Organizations for Big Folks Online Resources for Big Folks Other Resources for Big Folks Publications for Big Folks Resources for Dealing With the Physical Aspects of Being Fat Size-acceptance The following FAQs can be found at: http://www.sover.net/~astarte/fa/faqs.html Big Folks and Fitness Big Folks and Health Big Folks and Sports Research on Big Folks The latest versions of following FAQs can be found at the following locations: Clothing for Big Folks in the U.K. at http://www.thegrapevine.co.uk/Avalanche/FAQ-UK.htm Clothing for Big Folks in Europe at http://www.thegrapevine.co.uk/Avalanche/FAQ-Europe.htm Plus-Size Pregnancy Website at http://www.teleport.com/~rvireday/plus/ You can also find (sometimes slightly older versions of) the above FAQs (except the plus-size pregnancy FAQs) at the following locations: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq/ (Note: The big-folks FAQ is listed separately at these locations.) You can also get FAQs from rtfm.mit.edu via anonymous FTP or via the mail archive server. For information about the mail server, send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with the word "help" (without the quotes) in the body of the message. ============================================================ B2) Posting information This document is posted bi-weekly to alt.support.big-folks, soc.support.fat-acceptance, and soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated. Stef Maruch (stef@cat-and-dragon.com) maintains this FAQ. ============================================================ e3) Contributors These are the people who contributed significant chunks to the FAQ: Sasha Wood (Sasha.Wood@cs.cmu.edu) Largesse (75773.717@compuserve.com) Also, lots and lots of other people (too many to credit) contributed information that appears herein, some via email and some on s.s.f-a or a.s.b-f. Thanks to them all. Suggestions for additions/improvements are always welcome. Send suggestions to Stef Maruch (stef@cat-and-dragon.com) ============================================================ Copyright 1995-1999 by Stef Maruch (stef@cat-and-dragon.com) Permission is granted to copy and redistribute this article in its entirety for non-commercial, educational use only, provided that this copyright notice is not removed or altered. No portion of this work may be sold, either by itself or as part of a larger work, without the express written permission of the author. This restriction covers all publication media, including electronic media. User Contributions:
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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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